Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony make a strong Shostakovich statement

Carnegie Hall's visit from the Steel City's Symphony demonstrates a thoughtful ensemble's ability to make music speak clearly, even without words.

Because my review of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s performance at Carnegie Hall is published in Bachtrack, I will not be publishing my show notes, here, and instead direct you to read more off-site. It was truly a remarkable concert.

Performance Date: 3 December 2025

A defector, a white émigré and Shostakovich walk into an orchestral program and people act like Carnegie Hall has gifted itself to the Kremlin. While the political undertones of the Pittsburgh Symphony’s performance remained wordless, Music Director and Conductor Manfred Honeck led orchestra and audience on a distinct journey through the many costumes that truth, human emotion and dissent wear for their own survival in this world…